Pakistan Signs UN Agreement to Protect Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction

Pakistan Signs UN Agreement to Protect Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction
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Pakistan signed on Monday the United Nations’ Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) at the UN Headquarters in New York, Dawn E-Paper reported. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar represented Pakistan in endorsing the pact, which is the third implementing agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The BBNJ Agreement, adopted on June 19, 2023, focuses on marine genetic resources, area-based management tools, environmental impact assessments, and capacity-building with technology transfer. Pakistan played a leading role in negotiations, advocating for equity, fair benefit-sharing, and support for developing countries.

This move aligns with Pakistan’s commitment to multilateral cooperation and marine biodiversity protection. Previously, Pakistan expanded its seabed territory by 50,000 square kilometers in 2015 under UNCLOS. The country also designated Churna Island as a marine protected area last year, highlighting its ongoing efforts to preserve unique marine ecosystems.